Mancini expects progress

Roberto Mancini claims a narrow defeat by Sporting Lisbon represents a minor blip in Man City's season, with the club still on course to hit their targets.

Last Updated: 08/03/12 10:10pm

Roberto Mancini: Refusing to read too much into European setback against Sporting

Roberto Mancini claims a narrow defeat by Sporting Lisbon represents a minor blip in Manchester City's season, with the club still on course to hit their targets.

The Blues came unstuck on Portuguese soil on Thursday, suffering a 1-0 reversal in the first leg of their Europa League last 16 encounter.

The Premier League leaders were a long way short of their best on the night and saw a moment of brilliance from Alexandre Xandao settle the game in favour of the hosts.

Mancini is refusing to read too much into the result, though, with it his opinion that any side is entitled to have an off night.

"It wasn't a surprise because anything can happen in football, but I don't think we deserve to lose," he said.

Chance

"We didn't play very well but could've scored, then conceded a goal, so that is it. We have another 90 minutes and I think it will be a different game. We still have a big chance. Hopefully we will have a chance to score and I think we will score.

"I don't think they had a lot of chances to score. Sporting had players behind the ball always, to play on the counter-attack.

"They had players behind the ball for this reason and I think we had more chances than them."

The two-legged tie will now be settled at the Etihad Stadium next Thursday and Mancini is confident his side will prevail in that contest, and a Premier League meeting with Swansea on Sunday.

He said: "I am not worried. We will go through in the Europa League and Sunday will be a different game."